Photovoice Participant Narratives 2

Mindfully in the moment

Through my discovery of passion and purpose, I have found self love and  inner peace, and now trust that everything will be okay.

- Anita

Overshadowing Agendas

It is hard to ignore the behind-the-scenes complexities and political undercurrents encountered in co-production, even when the work rooted in healing, push against those covert agendas.

- Anita

Nest Against Open Sky

Although the nest itself is delicate, it’s strong enough to shelter the even more fragile eggs within from the open sky. Similarly, the CLC has been a protective and nurturing environment that has supported my personal and professional growth, even during vulnerable times. I have felt cared for and safe in my recovery journey.

Like a nest, co-production in Recovery Colleges is delicate—requiring time, care, and ongoing attention to take shape. This collaborative process is built thoughtfully, piece by piece, into a supportive structure strong enough to hold space for vulnerability, growth, and recovery. At the CLC, I’ve experienced both roles: being an “egg,” benefiting from the shelter while vulnerable, and a “parent bird,” helping to build the nest.

- Amy

Into Joyful Exploration

On this beautiful autumn day, the tall trees offer a bit of shelter, though I’m fully outside. This image reflects how my CLC experience has shifted—from working through challenges within protective shelter to stepping into a space where, while some protection remains, there’s joyful exploration through creativity, learning, and connection. It’s been an enriching part of my recovery.

At the CLC, I’ve learned so much—not just about mental health, but through courses on creative writing and general interest topics. I’ve found joy in learning and formed meaningful connections. It’s not only a space for working through hard things, but also a place to grow, discover, and feel inspired.

There’s also been a strong sense of community—through the courses and in co-production and teamwork on the research subcommittee. Being part of this environment has helped me feel more capable, more optimistic, and more grounded in my journey of recovery and self-discovery. 

- Amy

Venture Out

Taken from the edge of the shelter, this photo represents a transition—from rest to exploration.

Living with a physical disability, I often need spaces of rest, like benches or shelters, that allow me to safely stretch my comfort zone. My CLC experience has been like that: a place of emotional safety that has supported both recovery and growth. Some days, I’ve needed full protection. Other days, I’ve felt ready to venture out—expanding my window of tolerance, facing life’s challenges, exploring the tougher parts of recovery, and pushing myself professionally, like stepping into a wintry landscape that still holds meaning and possibility.

I’ve found it deeply empowering to be both a student at the CLC and a co-producer in the research subcommittee. Through this work, I’ve experienced personal and professional accomplishments that wouldn’t have been possible without the support and values of co-production.

- Amy